What is the Lovaas Model?

The Lovaas Model laid the foundation for modern Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy.

It’s a structured and intensive approach to teaching young autistic children language, academic and social skills.

Other common names for this therapy include the Lovaas method, the Lovaas approach and the UCLA Young Autism Project.

Who is the Lovaas Model for?

The Lovaas Model is for autistic preschoolers and can be used from 2 years old. The Model can be modified for children who are already at school.

What is the Lovaas Model used for?

The Lovaas Model is used to teach skills like language use, academic skills and social skills. It can also help to reduce challenging behaviour that negatively affects children or other people.

The Lovaas Model and other ABA techniques can help autistic children develop skills and independence. But these techniques should always be used in a way that respects neurodiversity, works with children’s strengths and rewards positive behaviour change.

Where does the Lovaas Model come from?

The Lovaas Model was developed in the early 1980s at the University of California in the United States as part of a research project focusing on young autistic children. It’s named after the researcher Ivar Lovaas. It was originally known as the UCLA Young Autism Project model.

What is the idea behind the Lovaas Model?

ABA principles are central to the Lovaas Model.

ABA aims to increase positive behaviour and reduce negative behaviour. It does this by reinforcing or rewarding positive behaviour so that it’s more likely to happen again. Negative behaviour doesn’t get any attention, which means it’s less likely to happen again.

The Lovaas Model is also based on the idea that you can teach any behaviour or skill by breaking the skill into smaller steps. This makes the skill or behaviour easier to learn.

What does the Lovaas Model involve?

The Lovaas Model takes a lot of time and involves planned sessions in which children learn skills. Therapists use the Model in various ways. For example, they might include more or less play-based activities and breaks.

For the youngest children, the first year of the Lovaas Model involves therapists working with children at home for 35-40 hours per week. These sessions focus on helping children build basic skills for learning – for example, following simple instructions and imitating. They also focus on reducing behaviour that gets in the way of learning – for example, aggressive behaviour.

In later years children learn more complex skills, including verbal communication, interactive play and cooperation, reading and writing. They learn these skills in settings other than the home – for example, at preschool. The Model’s intensity is also gradually reduced.

Each phase of the Lovaas Model uses a range of teaching techniques, including Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and incidental teaching.

Any therapy that uses the Lovaas Model should ensure children have free time and time to do fun and relaxing activities they enjoy.

Does the Lovaas Model help autistic children?

The Lovaas Model is based on ABA, which is an effective approach for helping autistic children learn skills. Research shows that ABA can have positive effects on autistic children’s communication and cognitive and behaviour skills.

There’s variation in how ABA is used, however. To judge the effectiveness of the specific therapies that you’re interested in, you might need to ask about their past outcomes.

Some autistic adults and parents of autistic children say that ABA has made a positive difference to their lives. But some critics say that ABA forces autistic children to conform to neurotypical norms and doesn’t let autistic children be themselves. Past uses of ABA and some present uses can be criticised for this reason.

Who offers the Lovaas Model?

People who use the Lovaas Model can include trained therapists, teachers, volunteers and parents. It’s important to note that professionals using the Lovaas Model must have appropriate training. This can sometimes make it difficult to find qualified therapists.

Where can you find a Lovaas Model therapist?

You can find therapists who offer the Lovaas Model by going to:

• Australian Psychological Society – Find a psychologist
• Occupational Therapy Australia – Find an OT
• Speech Pathology Australia – Find a speech pathologist.

If you’re interested in the Lovaas Model, it’s a good idea to talk about it with your GP or one of the other professionals working with your child. You could also talk about it with your NDIA planner, early childhood partner or local area coordinator, if you have one.

How are parents involved in the Lovaas Model?

If your child is taking part in the Lovaas Model, you’ll be highly involved. Parents are often trained as ‘co-therapists’ so that they can use Lovaas techniques at home whenever their child is awake. You might also get some help from paid aides, because the therapy is so intensive.

How much does the Lovaas Model cost?

Costs depend on how the Lovaas Model is used, and this can vary widely. The therapy team might include many kinds of people (professionals, paid aides or volunteers) working in many different settings. Also, the Model takes a lot of time and needs a lot of input from therapists and family members, which can increase costs.

You might be able to include the cost of using the Lovaas Model in your child’s NDIS plan. You can contact the NDIS to find out.

Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.